Tag: 1st Thessalonians 2:17-20
Satan hindered us!
Scripture reading for November 15th: 1st Thessalonians 2, Psalm 78, Proverbs 11
1st Thessalonians 2: 17-20 “But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you–I, Paul, again and again–but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.”
Because of persecution, Paul and his ministry team had to leave Thessalonica quickly. They only had a short time to minister the Gospel to them but Paul wrote back to them to encourage them to stand firm and cast prophetic vision of the joy that they all would share at Christ’s coming. This prophetic vision is what God uses to counter our enemy, Satan. Paul identified the power behind the persecution as coming from Satan. Satan was just a hinderance, not a major road block! Steadfast faith and righteous living will bring eternal joy and reward in Christ’s return. We must strengthen our flesh with the indwelling Holy Spirit and the food of God’s Word.
Psalm 78: 37-39 “Their heart was not steadfast toward Him; they were not faithful to His covenant. Yet He, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; He restrained His anger often and did not stir up all His wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and comes not again.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for defeating our hindering enemy, Satan. Thank You for prophetic vision in Your Word and flowing through the body of Christ that encourages me day by day to stay steadfast and walk in righteousness and Truth. I look forward to the soon coming of Jesus and the joy and crown of my family and friends in Christ’s return celebration.
Proverbs 11:19 “Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die.”
Satan’s hindrances!
Scripture reading for September 14th: 1st Thessalonians 2
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 1st Thessalonians 2:17-20 “But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you–certainly I, Paul, did, again and again–but Satan stopped us. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”
Paul was sent out of town by night by the brothers from Thessalonica because of severe opposition and threat of death. He had sought again and again to return to them, but stated: “Satan stopped us.” Satanic opposition is part of every believer’s life and is especially active when missionaries take the Gospel where Satan has strongholds. Prayer by believers and persistence to do God’s will on the part of missionaries brings breakthroughs. Paul viewed the believers in Thessalonica as his “crown” and “glory and joy” when Jesus Christ would return!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers keep their eyes on the mission and on the return of Jesus Christ and their reward when He comes. Satan is a defeated foe who will suffer in the Lake of Fire forever! “Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name. “They will be Mine,” says the Lord almighty, “in the day that I take up My treasured possession.” (Malachi 3:16-17)